Question

In Houston, 9 bats ate 50 grams of insects in one night. At this rate, how many grams of insects could 81 bats eat in one night?

Answer 1

Explanation:

Remark

Using Algebra, this is a proportion question. A proportion is 2 equal ratios

If the of the 2 ratio parts are known, it is possible to solve for the 4th one.

Formula

9_bats/50_grams::81_bats/x grams insects

Solution

Put the three knowns in and solve for the 4th which is not known

9 bats/ 50 insects = 81 bats /x insects. Cross multiply

9 * x = 50 * 81 Combine

9x = 4050 Divide by 9

9x/9 = 4050/9

Answer: x = 450 grams